In practical terms, the conflict between law and grace is
embodied in the term “legalism.” The
term legalism is distinctly pejorative, but to use the word accurately, it
needs definition in practical terms.
Legalism is the conviction that one can gain a better standing with God
in his salvation and/or sanctification by something he does or does not
do. That conviction of legalism is often
not limited to one’s personal status, but the legalist usually extends the
application of his standards to others.
In comparing himself to those around him, he sees them as spiritual or
not spiritual by whether or not they perform to this own personal standard of
behavior.
With that definition, I am examining one of Jesus’ parables
from Luke 5:33-39. Jesus was answering
His critics regarding the practice of fasting and “making prayers” (KJV). To answer the underlying problem, Jesus used
three illustrations in a parable: mending a tear in an old garment with fabric
from a new one ruins both, putting new wine in an old wineskin destroys both,
and once people have drunk the old wine, they have no preference for the new.In this parable, Jesus is illustrating the necessity of changes to the forms, prejudices, and practices that had grown up regarding the Law of Moses that were necessitated by the coming of the gospel. The rituals associated with the Covenant of Law would not suit the New Covenant of Grace. Here are the elements of the parable:
·
A piece of the New Covenant cannot be torn out
to repair a tear in the Old Covenant
·
The spirit of the New Covenant cannot be poured
into the Old Covenant
·
Those who have experienced the Old Covenant will
not easily accept or appreciate the New Covenant
Some have said that there seems to be an application in this parable to our own day with regard to the new forms of worship and music in the contemporary church. In this context I wish to explore the principles of law and grace.
As I continue to formulate my areguments, I invite any comments my readers may have.
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